Toyota prices 2012 Prius C under $19K*

Filed under: Hybrid , Toyota During the Detroit Auto Show , Toyota said the new Prius C would start at under $19,000 . Today, we learn that this is like a lesson from Obi-Wan: what Toyota told us was true, from a certain point of view. The base level Prius C One’s MSRP is indeed $18,950, but that doesn’t include a $760 destination charge, and you can easily spend north of $23,000 for the top-of-the-line Prius C Four. Still, that’s a raging deal for a car estimated to get a fuel economy rating of 53/46/50 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined) from the EPA. As Toyota is quick to point out, those numbers make the C the, “highest rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug.” As you might have surmised, there will be four trim levels for the Prius C and, unsurprisingly, some of the best features are only available on the upper ends. The Four, for example, is the only version that has fog lights and that can be optioned with 16-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels (all others make due with 15-inchers). Also, neither the One, Two or Three can be equipped with an important cold-weather feature: heated front seats. At least things like automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone controls and remote keyless entry all come standard. The Prius C goes on sale in March. Full details in the press release after the break .

The base level Prius C One’s MSRP is indeed $18,950, but that doesn’t include a $760 destination charge, and you can easily spend north of $23,000 for the top-of-the-line Prius C Four. Still, that’s a raging deal for a car estimated to get a fuel economy rating of 53/46/50 miles per gallon (city/highway/combined) from the EPA. As Toyota is quick to point out, those numbers make the C the, “highest rated city fuel economy of any vehicle without a plug.”

As you might have surmised, there will be four trim levels for the Prius C and, unsurprisingly, some of the best features are only available on the upper ends. The Four, for example, is the only version that has fog lights and that can be optioned with 16-inch, eight-spoke alloy wheels (all others make due with 15-inchers). Also, neither the One, Two or Three can be equipped with an important cold-weather feature: heated front seats. At least things like automatic climate control, Bluetooth phone controls and remote keyless entry all come standard. The Prius C goes on sale in March. Full details in the press release after the break.